DVD | Bomb The System

Rating: M - Contains violence, offensive language and drug use.
Duration: 93 mins
Genre : Action, Drama.
Actors: Mark Webber, Gano Grills, Jade Yorker.
Release Date: Available now.

Bomb: to create graffiti. System: something designed to control us.

Bomb the System is one person’s dramatic views of the heroic life of a writer/bomber/graffiti artist. It’s an interesting story, if somewhat over glamorised.

The story essentially follows the late night antics of Anthony (Mark Webber) who goes by the tag name ‘blest’ and his small crew as they seek out a place for themselves in the streets of New York City.

Shot mostly at night, with a grainy film and some very nicely saturated colours give the whole film an edgy, dangerous feel. Outside of the heroic, party scene that is portrayed in this movie, the message is one that this lifestyle is not one for the fainthearted.

Graffiti as an art-form and as a political statement are issues both looked at, with the inclusion of s sub plot when Blest hooks up with politically focussed Alex, who falls for him and want’s him to join her crew, adorning New York is politically – anti-consumerism – motivated posters and stencils.

It’s through this and Blest’s desire to legitimise his work that try to lend a human angle to the story, and helps raise a few more themes to mull over. What causes people to lurk around in the shadows, seeking recognition through their art? Are we pre-programmed by our peers to become what we become? Is there really any hope for someone stuck in an addictive habit?

Bomb is located in the action/drama genre, and sits there with ease. It’s not a rampaging, guns blazing type of action, but it does move at a predatory pace. It’s also worth noting that I got this DVD thinking it would be more a documentary style in the vein of Rash, and is probably a movie that would appeal more to people with an interest in the New York Graff scene.


Food for thought
For many people, graffiti is nothing less than vandalism. With the tagging that goes on around my neighbourhood, I’d have to agree. But then I take the train into the city, and along the way, on the backs of industrial buildings that no one ever gets to see (except the train commuters) is some of the best modern art you’re likely to see. This combined with the political stencilling of people like Banksy elevate graffiti to both an art form and a legitimate political protest. Or does it?